Luzon

Luzon is among the three island groups in the Philippines, the other two being the Visayas and Mindanao. In addition, it features 8 of the 18 administrative areas of the Philippines. It’s where the capital city of Manila is located.

Several ethnolinguistic groups inhabit Luzon. Ilocanos predominate in the northern part of Cagayan and Ilocos Area. Pangasinense inhabit Pangasinan, while the Kapampangans mostly reside in Tarlac, Pampanga as well as the remainder of Central Luzon. Tagalogs, the majority, live in CALABARZON, Bulacan and Metro Manila. Bicolanos predominate the Bicol Region. Other ethnic groups also are the Ibanag of Cagayan, the Aeta of Zambales, as well as the Igorot of the Cordilleras.

Because of the diverse ethnic groups living in the island, there are several dialects spoken in Luzon. These include: Ilocano, Tagalog, Kapampangan, Bicol and Pangasinense. But English is spoken by many inhabitants.
Makati City in Metro Manila functions as the principal political and economical center. Other business districts are Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and Ortigas Center in Pasig. While agriculture predominates in other parts of Luzon, industry is focused in and around Metro Manila. The important crops in Luzon are pineapple, bananas, mangoes, coconuts, rice and coffee. Other sectors are livestock raising, tourism, mining and fishing.

Just a couple hours’ drive away, heavily dependent on the traffic, are perfect weekend getaways. In the northern part of the island lies the mountain sanctuary of Baguio as well as the grandeur of the Banaue Rice Terraces, dubbed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Tourists should also check out the Spanish-era houses and architecture in Vigan in the Ilocos. Lining the northern shores are La Union, where tourists can go surfing, and Pangasinan, home to the infamous Hundred Islands. For history buffs, there’s the island fortress of Corregidor in Cavite. If Baguio is too long of a drive, there’s Tagaytay, which is relatively near the Metro. Here, tourists can experience cooler weather and catch a glimpse of Taal, the world’s smallest active volcano. Travelers who want to see the beauty of Philippine marine life can head over to Coron in Palawan.